Top high-paying SA jobs available without a university degree
SOUTH AFRICA — 15 August 2025
Several of South Africa’s highest-paying roles – some paying over R260,000 monthly – require no university degree, opening doors for those with practical skills and experience.
Many South Africans skip tertiary education due to finances, academic results, or preferring hands-on work. In 2025, the job market is increasingly welcoming non-graduates (unverified).
Anja Bates, Head of Data Insights at Pnet, sees strong demand in sales, administration, marketing, construction, and IT. “We see many people who start out answering the phone or doing basic bookkeeping move into more high-powered roles in their companies,” Bates said.
Employers increasingly prioritize skills over degrees, but Bates noted candidates still prove their value: “It is necessary for candidates to show that they have invested in developing their skills and expertise.”
Roles span from sales consultants and graphic designers to construction managers and politicians.
BusinessTech lists 12 top-paying non-degree jobs with these average monthly salaries:
| Job | Average monthly salary estimate (R) |
|---|---|
| Politician | 102 500 – 260 000 |
| Pilot Captain | 150 000 – 192 000 |
| Software Developer | 40 000 – 60 000 |
| Data Analyst | 40 000 – 60 000 |
| Digital Marketing Manager | 38 014 – 55 000 |
| Construction Manager | 39 000 – 53 400 |
| Real Estate Agent | 20 000 – 36 000 |
| Electrical Technician | 23 000 – 34 000 |
| Graphic Designer | 12 500 – 28 000 |
| Personal Assistant | 20 000 – 28 800 |
| SEO Specialist | 17 977 – 22 443 |
| Sales Consultant | 16 000 – 24 900 |
These positions show how skills and drive can match formal qualifications in securing rewarding careers.